With the Ravens scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown to prevail in a 17-14 final over New Orleans to open the preseason, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The 18-game preseason winning streak is more strange than stupendous, but winning is always preferable even when it doesn’t matter in the big picture. Veteran players cheering on the youngsters’ heroics is always fun, and John Harbaugh and Wink Martindale had to love the six takeaways too.
2. Though missing its two best starters, the offensive line struggled even more against the Saints than we’ve seen in camp. You expect some drop-off with starters missing, but Saturday’s starting unit not even being functional didn’t say much for Baltimore’s depth and made it clear why Lamar Jackson didn’t play.
3. Bradley Bozeman left after the fourth offensive drive with a sprained ankle described as “pretty minor” by Harbaugh, who expressed hope that the projected Week 1 offensive line can all be out there for the preseason finale in two weeks. Given the offseason turnover, you’d really like to see that.
4. Trying to evaluate the quarterback play wasn’t easy with the constant pocket harassment, but Tyler Huntley showcased his edge in athleticism over Trace McSorley, who was dealing with back stiffness before and during the game. Though the backup competition is far from over, Huntley clearly does the better Jackson impersonation.
John Harbaugh: "Tyler [Huntley] came in and just played tremendous football. Made plays running and throwing. He just did a great job. He won us the game. We called him up [in the locker room]. He broke the huddle at the end of the day, and it was great." #Ravens
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) August 15, 2021
5. Patrick Queen displayed his closing speed on the third defensive series by blowing up a screen pass for a loss and sacking Saints quarterback Taysom Hill on back-to-back plays. The 2020 first-round pick acknowledged needing to keep his feet more consistently upon penetrating the backfield, but premium talent is there.
6. Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes were both disruptive with Oweh showing off his power and speed and Hayes using a nice move for a quarterback hit and forced incompletion. Oweh serving as a punt gunner is reminiscent of Adalius Thomas back in the day. That could be fun to watch.
7. His two interceptions were more “right place, right time” than great individual plays, but you had to feel good for Geno Stone making an impact after being waived and claimed by Houston last year. The 2020 seventh-round pick wanted to return to Baltimore and is battling for a job.
8. Jaylon Ferguson played like someone understanding he has to win a roster spot, finishing with four tackles and splitting a sack with L.J. Fort in the fourth quarter. That was a coverage takedown, but the 2019 third-round pick played with a good motor throughout the night.
9. Entering his third season after starting seven games last year, Ben Powers had the opportunity to show versatility by starting at left guard and playing right tackle, but it was a forgettable night for the 2019 fourth-round pick. Other linemen struggled, but you’d like to see more progress from him.
10. Ar’Darius Washington made the most of his opportunities by putting his helmet on the football to force a fumble and breaking up a pass. There’s plenty of preseason left, but he continues to look like the only rookie free agent with a decent chance to crack the 53-man roster.
11. Chris Westry has garnered much positive attention this summer and registered two pass breakups, but drawing a taunting penalty and an earful from Harbaugh wasn’t something he needed. It didn’t help that the flag extended a drive and preceded a Kristian Welch shoulder injury on the next play.
12. Jake Verity’s 53-yard field goal signaled a new push for Eric DeCosta to sucker another team into giving him a fifth-round pick for Justin Tucker’s summer backup. The Saints did just lose former Baltimore camp kicker Wil Lutz to an injury after all.
